1. Introduction/Why Federalism? a.
Distinguish between a federal government and a confederation and give an example of each. b.
Why was federalism rather than a unitary state the only realistic arrangement in 1787? c. What advantages has federalism offered with respect to:
(1)
(2)
American expansion diversity
(3) social-economic experiments
(4) political leadership d. Why did the power of the federal government expand after 9/11?
2. Defining Federalism/Constitutional Structure of Federalism a.
What is meant by expressed national powers? Implied powers? Inherent powers? Also, review unitary and confederation forms. b.
How have each of the following powers contributed to expansion of the national government?
(1) war
(2) commerce
(3) taxation — general welfare c. What powers are left to the state? d. What constitutional restraints were put on the national government? The state government? e. Review the various kinds of federalism. Give an example of full faith and credit; interstate privileges and immunities; national supremacy and extradition clauses. f.
What are the advantages of federalism?
3. The Role of the Federal Courts a.
What issues were at stake in McCulloch v. Maryland?
How were they decided? b. What issues were at stake in Gibbons v. Ogden ? How were they decided?
c. When does preemption occur?
4. The Politics of Federalism
a. What was the original nationalist (centralist) position on federalism?
b. What was the states' rights (decentralists') position?
c. What is the devolution revolution?
d. What are the key arguments of the centralists and decentralists? e. How is the growth of government related to the pattern of U.S. federalism?
5. Federal Grants and Regulations a.
What is the distinction between categorical grants, project grants, and block grants?
b. Why are grants important to the states?
c. What groups favor the various types of grants?
d. How have federal mandates affected the grant process?